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Cut a slab from the rough rock
Select area & shape of cabochon to be cut
Transfer outline of cab to the back of the slab
Trim down slab to approximate outline of cab
Trimmed slab back view - note cab outline transferred to back
Preformed cab sanded to shape of cab - back view
Line marking girdle of cab which will fit in a bezel - note the girdle is cut with an approximately 8 degree angle
Using a dop pot, mount dop stick on back of cab
Preformed cab on dop stick with bezel line indicating the girdle of the cab
Sand preformed cab with coarse grit diamond abrasive wheels to create a dome
Preformed cab sanded to domed shape ready for further polishing
Check symmetry of dome side view
Check symmetry of dome end view
Front of cab polished with progressively finer grits to 14,000 - note how water has beaded on the smooth surface
Polishing compound (Linde A) used for final polish on leather lap
Cab after final polish - note the clear reflection of a light bulb on surface of cab
Back & girdle of cab are also polished
